In 1708, Guru Gobind Singh Ji reached Nanded during his travels in the Deccan.
One of the five Takhts of Sikh tradition, Takhat Sri Hazur Sahib, is situated on the banks of the Godavari River in Nanded in the Marathwada region of India’s Maharashtra. This sacred place holds a deep connection to the final days of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, when he spent his last moments and gave a direction that continues to guide the Sikh Panth. The atmosphere of the Takht carries both remembrance and presence, as if the events of 1708 still echo through its marble halls.
Early life of Guru Gobind Singh Ji
Guru Gobind Singh Ji was born in 1666 in Patna Sahib. From a young age, he lived through times of struggle and responsibility, especially after the martyrdom of his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. He grew up learning both spiritual wisdom and martial discipline, and he carried forward the leadership of the Sikh community with courage and clarity.
Arrival at Nanded and the final days
In 1708, Guru Gobind Singh Ji reached Nanded during his travels in the Deccan. He set up his camp near the river and gathered the sangat for prayer and guidance. The place soon became a space where the Guru held his court, listened to seekers, and shared Gurbani.
During this period, two men approached him with the intent to harm him. One of them attacked with a concealed dagger, but Guru Gobind Singh Ji responded instantly and defended himself. Although the attacker was stopped, the wound ran deep. For a short time, it appeared to heal after treatment, but it opened again while the Guru was stringing a bow. In those final days, the Guru did not withdraw into silence. He remained present among the sangat, speaking with clarity and calmness. It was here that he made one of the most important declarations in Sikh history.
The declaration of Guru Granth Sahib Ji as the eternal Guru
Before leaving his physical form, Guru Gobind Singh Ji addressed the sangat and spoke words that continue to guide Sikhs:
"The Eternal Father willed and I raised the Panth. All my Sikhs are hereby ordered to accept the Granth as their Preceptor. Have faith in the holy Granth, as your master and consider it the visible manifestation of the Gurus. He who hath a pure heart will seek guidance from its holy words."
With these words, he ended the line of human Gurus and placed Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru. This moment gives Hazur Sahib its deepest meaning, as it connects directly to the living guidance of Sikh faith.
The place where memory lives on
The exact spot where Guru Gobind Singh Ji left his earthly form now lies within the Angitha Sahib, a sanctum inside the complex. This space holds a quiet presence. Devotees bow their heads here with a sense of closeness, knowing that they stand where the Guru last walked. The Takht itself carries the name “Sachkhand,” a word used by Guru Nanak Dev Ji to describe the realm of truth. In Nanded, this idea does not feel distant. It feels near, almost within reach, as the sangat gathers and listens to Gurbani.
Construction of the Takht
Many years after the Guru’s passing, Maharaja Ranjit Singh arranged for the construction of the present structure between 1832 and 1837. He sent artisans, resources, and support from Punjab to build a place worthy of the memory it holds.
The architecture reflects both devotion and craftsmanship. Marble walls, golden panels, and detailed artwork create an environment that feels both grand and peaceful. The design carries similarities with Harmandir Sahib, yet Hazur Sahib keeps its own distinct presence.
Inside, relics associated with Guru Gobind Singh Ji remain preserved, including weapons and personal items. These are not displayed as objects of curiosity but kept with care, as reminders of a life lived with strength and purpose.
Traditions that continue here
Hazur Sahib follows certain practices that connect closely with the time of the Guru. Among them is the application of sandalwood tilak, which continues as part of the daily routine. The rhythm of the day moves through kirtan, ardas, and the recitation of Gurbani. The Guru Granth Sahib rests in a designated space during the day and is ceremonially moved at night. This daily prakash and sukhasan bring a sense of continuity, as the sangat participates in a routine that feels unchanged across generations.
Langar runs every day, welcoming everyone without distinction. Sitting together and sharing a meal carries the same message that the Gurus lived by—equality, humility, and seva.
A turning point for the Sikh Panth
Hazur Sahib also connects with the beginning of a new chapter. It was here that Guru Gobind Singh Ji met Madho Dass Bairagi and gave him a new identity as Banda Singh Bahadur. Soon after, Banda Singh Bahadur began his journey towards Punjab, where he would challenge oppressive rule and bring change for the Sikh community.
This moment links Hazur Sahib not only with an ending but also with a beginning. The Guru’s presence guided both reflection and action, and that spirit continues to inspire.
The wider setting and surrounding gurdwaras
Nanded holds several other places connected with Sikh history, including sites like Nagina Ghat and Banda Ghat. Together, they form a landscape where different moments of the Guru’s journey remain remembered.
The city itself carries a calm rhythm. The flow of the Godavari, the sound of Gurbani, and the steady movement of devotees create an environment where time feels slower and more grounded.
Hazur Sahib in the present day
Even now, Hazur Sahib draws visitors from across the world. Pilgrims come not only to see the structure but to sit, listen, and feel the presence of the Guru’s words. Large gatherings take place during important occasions, including the remembrance of 1708 and the Guruship of Guru Granth Sahib.
The 300-year commemoration in 2008 brought together people from many parts of the world, showing how deeply this place connects with Sikh identity.
Even today, when one walks through the complex, there is a sense of continuity. The past does not feel distant. It feels close, carried in prayer, in kirtan, and in the quiet moments when a devotee bows before the Guru.
A place of presence and guidance
Takhat Sri Hazur Sahib carries the memory of a moment when direction was given to the Sikh Panth. The Guru’s words, spoken here, continue to guide millions. In Nanded, the idea of the Guru does not remain tied to a person. It lives through Gurbani, through sangat, and through daily practice. Hazur Sahib brings together remembrance, presence, and guidance in one place.
References:
Hazur Sahib - Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hazur_Sahib
A factual overview of the shrine’s history, location, architecture, and its connection with Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
History - HazurSahib.com
https://hazursahib.com/web/history
A detailed account of the history of Takhat Sri Hazur Sahib and the events as well as the traditions connected with the site.
Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazoor Sahib - Sikhiwiki
https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Takhat_Sachkhand_Sri_Hazoor_Sahib
Provides a detailed overview of the shrine’s history, its connection with Guru Gobind Singh Ji and its importance as one of the five Takhts in Sikh tradition